Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 27 in E-minor, Op. 90

My playing a portion of the Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 7 in E-minor, Op. 90.
Jacket by agnès b.; skirt, an unnamed brand.

Today, I am attaching a practice video of the first movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 27. The more I study his compositions, the more I discover how he is helping me to learn about my own work and what I want to say as a pianist.

This sonata was Beethoven’s first in four years. At the time he was experiencing a difficult period in his life, struggling with increasing deafness, financial difficulties, and the failure of a serious marriage prospect. Despite these personal challenges, he was highly admired by those around him and was something of a celebrity in Vienna. In fact, Beethoven dedicated this piece to his friend and benefactor, Prince Moritz von Lichnowsky. 

Around this period Beethoven began using German rather than Italian for his musical instructions, and this practice became increasingly frequent. I feel this reflects his desire to express his musical and artistic intentions more clearly and directly.

In the first movement, I sense a noble and heroic confidence, but also a deeply personal and inward world—warmth, sadness, loneliness, and quiet prayer-like longing. These contrasting emotions feel heartfelt and introspective.

In my practice I focus on shaping each emotional shift through changes in dynamics and tonality, and then connecting them organically through rubato and other expressive techniques in order to refine the overall narrative of the movement.

I have a particular respect for Beethoven’s late sonatas and am currently deeply absorbed in them because of their philosophical depth and profundity. I am especially drawn to Beethoven’s warmth, which is so characteristic of his late works—most notably in the second movement of this sonata. I plan to upload a video of the second movement soon.

For those of you who share my interest in fashion, the outfit in this video is a jacket from the Parisian brand agnès b. that is perfect for winter, and quite comfortable for practicing. I’ve paired it with a light blue skirt from an off brand that I found in a store and like very much.

Please let me know what you think in the comments.  Thanks!

Tap an icon below to share this blog on social media, email, or your favorite messaging app.